Chapter 18: Where the Mighty Rivers Roam

[Ken]

Belarin replies, Ahhhh, the harpy is... snacking, and I'm not getting in the way of that. I'd offer to meet you halfway, but we'd probably miss each other. See you soon.

[Jeff]

The hunting party presses on...

Kal is forced to use Telekinesis again along the way back, and that spell expires again just as the small beach comes into view. The boar half-carcass drops to the ground. But by this time, Shorak steps out of trees, the first to see Belarin and Adamant standing in the shallow water, seeming to try out the float-ability of the dinghy.

But they do find that it floats well enough still.

The ghoulish harpy is here on the sand as well, though Histra is not, and she stands watching Belarin and Adamant. Her mouth, neck, and torso are red with gore. She still holds some sort of entrails in her clawed hands, licking at them. A trail of pink and read leads off into the jungle toward the south, closer to where Melethos had originally lashed the dinghy to a tree.

The undead tauth is slowly circling the beach.

Looks like Kal has to spend 7 Sorcery points to use the 5th-level Telekinesis for that third time (he cast it once during combat, and twice it was needed during the trek back), and now he's tapped out of those points!

[Brian]

Melethos pushes forward a few steps, forcing Shorak to move or fall. Once he's cleared the tree line, he drops his section of haunch and takes a deep breath. He's still hurt from the battle with the drake, and now he's covered and sweat and gore. And he's smelled better.

He nods a greeting to Belarin and Adamant, shoots a sceptical glance at the harpy, then stumbles to the water to wash the filth from his face and hands. The warm water feels cool against his skin.

Dripping, he stands. "We need to get back to the ship. Adamant, we'll need help with the boar. I don't know how many drakes are in the area, but they can cause a lot of trouble." He glances at the harpy again, shudders, and turns away. "Kal, how do you want to run this?"

[Jeff]

Belarin and Adamant notice how absolutely covered in blood (no doubt from that cut-up up pieces of a giant boar they're carrying), so it's hard to tell whether they're very injured or not. But they all do look extremely tired. Kal looks a bit less so. Tangat looks even less so.

Streko is dragging a number of tree branches.

[Darren]

Isn't Kal's full complement of Sorcery Points 9? I know he used some during the fight, I just want to make sure the sheet gets updated after he rests, because right now it says 7.

Kal wipes at his forehead and plants his staff in the soft sand, leaning on it for support as he tucks Skyfang away at his leg. "I'm too exhausted to float the boar to the ship," he says. "We'll need Starg's help. Streko, take the branches and as much of the boar as you can back to the ship on the dinghy. When you get there, send Starg back to us so he can bring the boar to the ship along with Belarin. Belarin, after you unload Starg, come back and pick up the rest of us. Might need two trips. Let's try to be quick about it. Everyone else, keep a sharp eye out on the trees. And the ground. Those drakes can burrow."

[Joe]

Aug 10, 2020 19:58:29 GMT -4 Darren said:

Isn't Kal's full complement of Sorcery Points 9? I know he used some during the fight, I just want to make sure the sheet gets updated after he rests, because right now it says 7.

Kal wipes at his forehead and plants his staff in the soft sand, leaning on it for support as he tucks Skyfang away at his leg. "I'm too exhausted to float the boar to the ship," he says. "We'll need Starg's help. Streko, take the branches and as much of the boar as you can back to the ship on the dinghy. When you get there, send Starg back to us so he can bring the boar to the ship along with Belarin. Belarin, after you unload Starg, come back and pick up the rest of us. Might need two trips. Let's try to be quick about it. Everyone else, keep a sharp eye out on the trees. And the ground. Those drakes can burrow."

"As you wish," Streko says. He places the cinnamon bark into the dinghy, comes back and takes as much of the meat as he can carry to the boat.

[Jeff]

Streko has whole branches. He can drag them all into the dinghy. Separating the bark from the branches is the busywork. Does he want to do that before bringinng it to the boat? It'll take a while.

Aug 10, 2020 19:58:29 GMT -4 Darren said:

Isn't Kal's full complement of Sorcery Points 9? I know he used some during the fight, I just want to make sure the sheet gets updated after he rests, because right now it says 7.

Sorry for the confusion. Somewhere I altered the 9 to a 7, but yes, he's got 9 max. He used 2 during the recent battle against the drakes and boar, and he needed to use the 7 remaining to power another 5th-level slot. So he's at 0 now.

Joe, no need to quote an entire full post (as you frequently do), especially if yours is immediately following and reacting to the quote in question.

[Ken]

Belarin is initially shocked by the gore-soaked state of his friends, but he relaxes a bit once he understands that most of the blood is from the boar.

"Kal," he says, "I should go on the second trip. I'm in better shape than some of you to guard our rear." Kal, Melethos, Shorak, and Streko can see that a layer of thick frost covers the warlock's clothing and even part of his skin - a seemingly impossible sight in the hot jungle. They've seen Belarin use this spell before, and know that it grants him considerable protection.

"I've got about another half-hour on this," he says.

[Dave B.]

"I'm willing to stay to protect the beach, but I'll require some healing. I got burned pretty bad from that one drake." Shorak says as he takes a moment to wash some of the blood and gore off of him. "Streko or Adamant, if you wouldn't mind, please?"

[Darren]

"Okay. Shorak, you take Belarin's place ferrying the dinghy back and forth. Belarin, stay here with us on guard."

[Jeff]

We don't need to walk through the whole process of getting back to the ship. But let me know what you wish to do (or say) before the full ferrying process.

[Brian]

After Kal gives his instructions, Melethos sets about helping move the boar haunches into the dinghy. Each one weighs a considerable amount, but between him, Shorak, and Adamant, he thinks they can make quick work out of the transfer.

While the others help get the boar meat aboard the Dragonfly, Melethos waits on the beach with Belarin and whoever else will stay back and keep the rest of the company safe.

[Jeff]

While working with the dinghy, Melethos notices an unsightly discoloring in part of the wood. It looks like a spout of acid was spat upon it, so that there is now a line of it running from its edge, along the floorboards, and even one of the seats.

The ghoulish harpy remains where she is, looking like she's guarding the bloody path that leads back into the jungle toward the alleged drake that Belarin and Adamant fought. Periodically she stalks back in and returns with some misshapen entrail to gnaw upon. Everytime anyone glances at her, there is a moment of revulsion and alarm; you don't think you can get used to such a creature, but you also know it comes with Histra's presence. Yet the undead tauth is not nearly as disturbing.

Attachments:

[Ken]

Belarin notes Melethos' inspection of the dinghy. "The drake," he says. "I'm guessing it wasn't happy with you! It likely wanted you to be stranded here."

[Dave W.]

sorry today is broken... so quick reply.
Adamant will lay hands on Shorak... cure say 30 hp?
he will help get the meat over to the ship.
he will try to not spend a lot of time watching the ghoul chew on intestines...

[Darren]

"Good thing you were here to finish the job," Kal says, looking over at the harpy with revulsion. "Too bad it didn't leave the body for Histra. That might have made a useful guard. We should talk to Histra about keeping it under control in the future."

Kal stands by the water's edge, watching the jungle and the soft sand of the beach, wary of any movement or scavengers that may have followed them.

[Dave B.]

"Thank you, Adamant." Shorak says as he feels the healing warmth from the paladin's touch course through him. He works with Melethos to fill the boat with boar meat and makes ready to get it back to the ship.

[Jeff]

It takes some more grueling hauling, but it's light work to Melethos and Shorak (who did most of the heavy lifting thus far), but within half an hour everyone is back aboard the Dragonfly with their meat. Kurra asks that the butcher-work be done on deck, where it can be cleaned up easier and faster before being salted and otherwise stored below. But Brack is able to get the ship moving again in the meantime.

Histra also instructs, with no spoken words, the ghoul harpy's return. She swims back through the water, which at least washes away the worst of the gore. She also explains to Belarin that though she is able to see through the eyes of the undead tauth, she cannot hear through it. So she was able to see what happened at the short battle's end on the beach, but could not hear his words.

Streko has his cinnamon branches and quite a number of mushrooms in his haversack.

[Joe]

Streko will stow the mushrooms in a pantry below after cleaning them off, after which, he will return to the top deck and begin stripping the bark from the branch and separating the spice from the wood.

[Darren]

Safely back on the ship, Kal checks in with Brack. "Anything I should know?" Next he turns to Belarin. "How about you? Did we miss much?" He taps the ring on Belarin's finger. "Return that to Melethos, when you get a chance." Kalarian leans back against the railing of the ship. "That hunt took more out of me than I expected. I need to rest. Streko, we've all been hard at work, but perhaps with our newfound ingredients, we might enjoy a proper meal tonight?"

[Dave W.]

Aug 11, 2020 22:37:17 GMT -4 Joe said:

Streko will stow the mushrooms in a pantry below after cleaning them off, after which, he will return to the top deck and begin stripping the bark from the branch and separating the spice from the wood.

“If I may help with this task? Cinnamon you say? This branch will become on of your mother’s powders?”

[Jeff]

Aug 12, 2020 0:19:05 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal checks in with Brack. "Anything I should know?"

"I spotted something across the river, a wee sailing craft. Too far to see the sailors. I'm sure they marked us, but no trouble came of it. Stay watchful, but no more or less than any other time." He eyes the components of the boar carcass as they are brought on board and licks his lips. He lowers his voice and says with mirth, "I have high expectations, though anything but fish or your paladin's stews would be most welcome at this point."

[Ken]

Aug 12, 2020 0:19:05 GMT -4 Darren said:

Safely back on the ship, Kal checks in with Brack. "Anything I should know?" Next he turns to Belarin. "How about you? Did we miss much?" He taps the ring on Belarin's finger. "Return that to Melethos, when you get a chance."

"You did miss an interesting discussion about Cyre," replies Belarin. As he begins to remove the ring, he sends one last telepathic communication to Kalarian: I'm still troubled by the circumstances of Larest's death. Let's talk after dinner.

He smiles at Kal, then walks over to Melethos and offers him the ring. "The scion of House Deneith no longer wishes to hear my babbling in his head, so please take this back," he says teasingly.

[Brian]

Melethos accepts the ring, though he has a harder time holding his hand out than one would expect. That's when Belarin notices not all of the blood coating his friend came from the boar. He can see burns, cuts, and bruises along his arms and the exposed parts of his legs. And a weary look haunted the tiefling's eyes.

"Thank you," he says, slipping on the ring. "I know just what to do. But for now, I need to clean up and gets some rest. One of those drakes put a big hurt on me."

He smiles and steps toward the stairs leading to his cabin.

There's a song Lorjad taught me, he thinks to Kal. One I think you would enjoy. Let's hope I get to the end before I fall asleep.

"Ninety-nine bottle of ale on the wall, ninety-nine bottle of ale
Take on down, pass it around, ninety-eight bottle of ale on the wall!

Ninety-eight bottle of ale on the wall...."

[Joe]

Streko heals himself before getting to work with the sharp knives he will need to remove the cinnamon bark. He hears Kal's request and nods.

"Yes, tonight I shall serve some Wild Boar in a mushroom cinnamon sauce. I shall also write the recipe down for my father, who will want to know what things his son discovered in such a far-off land!"
________________________________________________

Streko casts Cure Wounds on Himself at 5th Level: 5D8 → 28

[Darren]

Kal looks sideways at Belarin as the warlock hands the ring to Melethos, but then nods almost imperceptibly.

Kalarian's hands fly to his head as Melethos begins to sing in his mind. He shakes his head, trying to get the tiefling's voice to stop. Kal sinks down against the edge of the ship, leaning there with his legs in front of him. His hand wearily sinks into Tangat's fur and his head nods against his chest as he drifts slowly off to sleep.

[Jeff]

Streko feels so much better when his own magic restores him nearly completely. Of course, he still looks a fright.

Seeing Melethos go belowdeck and Kal surrender to a late morning nap, Kurra shakes her head. She pins Shorak down with her eyes. "You're not leaving me to all this work, aye?" She indicates the boar parts. "Plus we still have the nest to see to. Take a breather if you need it, but we've got plenty of work ahead today."

Starg volunteers to help as well, seeming to have some practice with animal slaughter, though for all his size he doesn't have the brute strength he might have in his youth.

Sem makes himself scarce, mostly querying Kal and Belarin about particulars of their hunt expedition.

Tangat spends time with his master but keeps returning to Streko. He sneezes a lot during the cinnamon bark extraction part of Streko's day.

---

If Kal and Belarin intend to meet up and talk, let's do it. I won't roleplay through the heavy work of the day, but it's good to know who's participating.

[Darren]

Between his nap and the fine meal prepared by Streko (just jumping ahead a bit), Kal feels surprisingly refreshed. With the meal finished and the galley cleaned, Kal moves to the top deck to take in whatever air there is to be found, even if it's stifling hot and humid in the jungle. Finding Belarin looking out over the rail at the bow of the ship, Kal stands next to him and looks int he same direction. "What's on your mind, my friend?" he asks with a quick glance over his shoulder to make sure no one else is listening.

[Ken]

Belarin says, "You know that the collection of details we were given about that night didn't sit right with me. Or you, either. I suspected Sem, because that, well, seemed like the easiest conclusion. But what if Sem was telling the truth... as far as he knew it, that is?"

He pauses a moment to gather his thoughts. "It didn't make sense that Demise would target Larest specifically for death, or that she would then FLEE from me and Histra after killing him. She practically killed the lot of us back on the island! So let's take a step back....

"Larest was a scholar of the highest order. He'd spent much of his life collecting information about the Eye of Azalar. That's a valuable commodity. Killing him hinders our quest, certainly. But it seems like a massive waste if you're the killer, doesn't it? Isn't there a better way?

"Larest told you he was being chased by who he believed was Demise. Sem said the same. But Sem also said she had some soldiers with her. Not very Demise-y, if you ask me.

"Larest's knowledge would be invaluable to anyone seeking the Eye. But damn, he was with us, wasn't he?

"We've seen magical tricks. We've even pulled off a few!

"Kal, what if Larest isn't really dead?"

[Dave B.]

"Don't forget the taro roots." Shorak calls to Streko as the halfling pulls the mushrooms out.

"Just a little water and some sharp butcher knives from the galley and I'll be ready to carve this beast into more managable sizes. I suggest brining all the meat that we don't cook tonight. It will tenderize it and add some flavor." Shorak says to Kurra and once he returns, he makes good on his word and deftly starts carving sections from the large pieces of boar. Setting aside enough for that evening's meal. "If we have the ability to do so, it would be great if we could slow smoke these ribs."